Winter remained relentless, covering Drakmoor with a thick layer of snow that seemed to reflect the harshness of the times. In the meeting room of Miguel's mansion, a fireplace crackled, attempting to fend off the biting cold that persisted even within the stone walls. The room was spacious, with a large iron chandelier hanging from the ceiling, casting yellowish lights over the U-shaped table dominating the center of the space.

Miguel sat in the main chair, situated at the center of the U, with a posture that denoted the responsibility he now bore. To his left, the defense secretary, John, remained attentive, his eyes fixed on the documents before him. To the right, his sister Amélia observed the guests with an appraising look, while Ricardo, loyal as ever, stood beside her, emanating the aura of a veteran prepared for any situation.

Seated around the table were two men who, until recently, had not been part of Miguel's inner circle. The first was Baron Alaric of Ravenshade, a middle-aged man with gray hair and a stern expression, representing the barony located in a mountainous region to the south. The second, younger and with piercing eyes, was Baron Cedric of Ironwood, whose barony, known for its dense forests and rich timber, had also joined the kingdom of Drakmoor.

Baron Alaric was the first to speak, leaning slightly forward in a gesture of respect before saying, "Your Majesty, I would like to express my deep gratitude for providing the technology to heat the homes of my people. This winter has been particularly harsh, and without your intervention, I fear many lives would have been lost."

Miguel, with a humble smile, responded, "I only did what was my duty, Baron Alaric. Now that you have joined Drakmoor, your people are my people, and it is my duty to ensure they are protected, especially against the cruelties of winter."

Baron Cedric, who had been observing the interaction, took the opportunity to praise Miguel. "Your Majesty, I must say I am impressed with the work being done in Drakmoor. I never imagined that such an isolated and poor region could take such significant strides toward development. Transforming Drakmoor into a kingdom that challenges Ardia is no small feat."

He paused, his eyes gleaming with admiration, before continuing, "The roads you are building... I have never seen anything like it, except on the streets near the royal palace in Ardia. It is remarkable."

Miguel thanked him with a nod, his words measured. "I appreciate your compliments, Baron Cedric. We are working hard to transform Drakmoor into a place worthy of its inhabitants. We still have much to do, but it is reassuring to see that our efforts are being recognized."

He paused, his eyes sweeping over everyone present in the room, before declaring, "It is very good to have you here. Now, with everyone present, we can begin the meeting."

The barons nodded, ready to discuss the next steps that Drakmoor and its allies would take. The atmosphere in the room was one of anticipation, each person aware that the days ahead would bring challenges, but also opportunities.

The meeting room was enveloped in attentive silence as Miguel took the lead to explain how the new governance dynamics in Drakmoor would unfold. The soft flame of the fireplace reflected off the stone walls, providing a warm light that contrasted with the winter chill that persisted outside.

Miguel, with a firm and assured posture, began the meeting by looking directly at the barons, conveying the importance of what he was about to say. "Gentlemen, I want to make it clear that, although the baronies will maintain their autonomy in managing their territories, there are guidelines that must be strictly followed to ensure the cohesion of our kingdom."

The barons, Alaric of Ravenshade and Cedric of Ironwood, nodded silently, paying close attention to every word. Miguel continued, a slight smile on his face. "First of all, I want to congratulate you on the fact that neither of your baronies has beast-men slaves. I would like to know the reason for this."

Baron Cedric was the first to respond, leaning slightly forward. "Your Majesty, the truth is that we live very isolated from the duchy's capital. The logistics of maintaining beast-men slaves is extremely expensive in our region, so there has never been an economic incentive for it."

Miguel maintained his smile, but his eyes conveyed the seriousness of the matter. "I understand that the reasons may be economic, but from today on, within the borders of Drakmoor, it is strictly prohibited to have slavery of any race. This is not just a policy; it is a fundamental principle of our kingdom."

The barons exchanged quick glances and agreed in unison, respecting Miguel's firm stance. Baron Alaric, with a raised eyebrow, asked, "Your Majesty, if I may ask, why do you maintain such a friendly relationship with the beast-men?"

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Miguel, without hesitation, answered with conviction. "They helped us in a time of need, even without obligation. That is something I deeply value. Moreover, I believe that everyone in our kingdom, regardless of race, should have the same opportunities and dignity."

With this answer, Miguel turned his attention to the next point of the meeting. "As for the military forces of the baronies, all will be unified into a single army, which will be under the command of John, Ricardo, and, of course, myself. The barons will maintain authority over their local troops, but this authority can never supersede that of the king."

Again, the barons agreed, understanding the need for a clear chain of command in times of conflict.

Miguel then addressed Baron Cedric, his gaze expressing practical interest. "Baron Cedric, I have heard that in your barony, there is a large number of carpenters. Is that true?"

Cedric nodded. "Yes, Your Majesty. We have many skilled carpenters, especially because wood is one of the main resources of our region."

Miguel smiled, satisfied. "Excellent. I would like those carpenters to train men from Drakmoor who are willing to learn. We will need many professionals in this area to continue with our projects."

Miguel then turned to Baron Alaric. "And in your barony, Baron Alaric, I have heard that there is a good number of blacksmiths. I need them here, and I guarantee they will be well compensated, both the blacksmiths and your barony."

Alaric, with a thoughtful expression, considered the proposal. "I can accept that offer, Your Majesty. I would like to see this large forge building you mentioned."

Miguel laughed with camaraderie. "It will be a pleasure to show you tomorrow."

The king then continued to outline his vision for the future. "In the long term, I intend to launch an educational project to teach literacy to at least the children and anyone who has time for it."

Baron Cedric's eyes widened in surprise. "Your Majesty, why do you want to teach the commoners to read?"

Miguel, without hesitation, answered with a clarity that revealed his strategic vision. "It's simple, Baron Cedric. The more educated a people is, the more wealth and knowledge they can produce. A strong kingdom is built not only with armies but with capable minds."

Miguel's words resonated in the minds of the barons, who were visibly impressed by the depth of his vision for Drakmoor. The meeting had taken on a serious and hopeful tone, as everyone present began to glimpse the grand future that Miguel planned for the kingdom.

With everyone in agreement and ready for the next steps, Miguel concluded the initial discussion, knowing that this was just the beginning of a new era for Drakmoor.

---

Miguel was in his office, the fire in the fireplace casting dancing shadows on the stone walls, providing a welcome warmth that contrasted with the relentless cold outside. He turned to the table where a bottle of wine rested next to two crystal glasses. With a smooth motion, he filled a glass and handed it to his sister, Amelia, who was sitting in a nearby armchair. She took the glass and swirled the wine, observing the legs of the drink running down the sides of the glass before taking a sip.

“You did very well in the meeting, Miguel,” Amelia said with a slight smile. “You’re really starting to look like a king.”

Miguel smiled back, but there was a hint of irony in his expression. “I appreciate that, but I never planned on being a king or anything like that.”

Amelia gave a soft laugh. “I never imagined a coward could become a king,” she said in a teasing tone, but quickly added, “Don’t take it the wrong way.”

Miguel laughed as well, shaking his head. “It’s okay, I get what you mean.”

She watched him for a moment, her gaze becoming more serious. “So, what are you going to do next, brother?”

Miguel looked thoughtfully at the wine in his glass. “I need to further reinforce Drakmoor’s defenses, especially now that the borders have expanded. Also, there’s just one street left before the entire city is covered with brick roads. The next step is to extend these roads into the interior of the kingdom, to the new baronies, and eventually to the coast… I want to connect everything.” He paused, looking at the fireplace. “Especially the coast… because I plan to build a port there.”

Amelia raised her eyebrows, surprised. “You’re thinking big, Miguel. Really big. But I like it.” She took a sip of her wine and added, “I’ll help you with that.”

Miguel looked at her with gratitude. “Thank you, Amelia.” He placed the wine glass on the table and straightened up, taking on a more serious posture. “I want to appoint you as Secretary of Internal and International Relations of the kingdom.”

Amelia was visibly surprised by the proposal. “Miguel… you really trust me a lot,” she said with a sarcastic tone.

He laughed, returning the teasing. “I trust people too easily, it’s a flaw of mine.”

She watched him for a moment, pondering. “That’s a huge responsibility… but I love challenges, so I accept.”

Miguel nodded, satisfied. “I knew you would. We need to strengthen our alliances, keep our new borders secure, and at the same time prepare the kingdom for the future. And I can’t think of anyone better for that than you.”

The two siblings stood in silence for a moment, savoring the wine. The weight of winter outside contrasted with the warmth and camaraderie that filled the room. They approached the window, where the snow was gently falling, covering Drakmoor with a pure white layer.

Miguel and Amelia stood side by side, gazing at the landscape. The city lights shone faintly in the cold night, while the white blanket of snow covered the rooftops and the nearly completed streets. They both knew they were just at the beginning of a much larger journey, full of challenges and achievements. But for now, they were content to be together, drinking wine and looking toward Drakmoor’s future with a quiet determination.